Freedom of expression and blasphemy

"It is in the name of the principle of free speech, and with an utter disregard for the sensitivities of the Muslim community, that blasphemy is today becoming trivialised," argues Yacob Mahi, a professor of Islamic religion. "We need to thoroughly reflect on the absolute or relative nature of this liberty, as well as on its consequences, because to build a communal society based on derision and hatred is to destroy any possible hopes of forging a shared future. True freedom of expression implies the right to say something that might shock without being insulting, diffamatory or inciting to hatred or violence. Irony, caricature and derision are hallmarks of our democracies, but the cartoonist who ignores the sensitivities and rules of civility turns this freedom into an abuse. ... Rousseau's civil religion is the basis of shared ethical principles that allow us to reinforce the social links necessary to live together in society."

» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Society, » Global